Wine Scores

Below is a listing of the wine review scores we frequently reference in our notes. While these sources remain an excellent source of information, we always recommend that you trust your own palate. Scores in these publications often represent the personal taste of an individual critic, which may not always coincide with your own. We have a huge team of excellent wine professionals that can match wines you've had in the past with new arrivals that meet your flavor profile.

Staff Favorites -
Mike Barber

Reviews

When we visited Sopra (consistently our best overall Montalcino producer, and probably the best winemaker in Montalcino period) the 2009 Brunello was our favorite. Even while the dark and earthy 2010 beckoned us from the barrel, this wine still had firm tannin and a great structure (more than most '09s from Montalcino) and loads of mindblowing flavor--a cascade of bright red fruits that dance on the palate and don't leave you for a very long time. That visit was 3 years ago--and finally it's here! A delicious Sangiovese that is not to be missed.

Usually I'm more of a fan of the Lytton Springs, but I think this year the Geyser has it beat. This is the best Geyserville that Ridge has ever made--a powerhouse Zin with intense chili spice and briary raspberry with a round finish and a floral, minty brightness.

An obscure distillery and a crazy good bottle for the money! This is a classic Highland, with caramel malt flavors with aromas of fresh flowers and tobacco. I can't believe this malt was aged all in hogshead--the flavor is long and satisfying, with oaky and pronounced notes of coffee and vanilla.

You rarely see independent casks of Glenrothes, and even more rare are ones with this much age that are this good. This whisky is molasses over buttered toast--with a round, smooth texture. The finish is short and leathery, but the malt is extremely enjoyable, unique, easy to drink, and very well priced!

The legendary, elusive Mortlach distillery is with us yet again! You will never see a distillery bottling of this malt--most of the production goes straight to Johnnie Walker Blue. A big, sweet vanilla nose leads into a whisky packed with cedar and Indian spice notes. The sherry cask influence is noticeable--it tastes like dried apricot and leather dipped in chocolate.

This barrel must be from the days when Jim Beam owned the Bruichladdich distillery--it's much different than other bottlings on our shelf. When you sip it, you are reminded of fresh cut grass and heather, with slight coffee, oaky, and wet vanilla notes to finish. This one is bright, with little to no peat notes at all. The last of the old heritage of a great distillery.

One of the best deals in the store, and one of the must buys of our Australian selections this year. Hewitson always offers an incredible wine for a great value in their miss harry release. The fact that this one comes from a perfect vintage is even better! Loads of nuanced spice and lush strawberry are evened out by bright acidity and a hint of menthol. There is a little tannic backbone to lend structure and complete this well crafted surprise.

Unmistakably South African--this Blanc is full of lemon peel and asparagus notes with an intensely floral nose. A little Semillon finds its way into HPF's reserve Blanc--and they demand a hefty $15 to enjoy this vibrant and mouthwatering Sauv Blanc. Oh wait, that's not that much money at all!

This is not a big and rich Aussie Shiraz. This is cool weather, spicy, and complex Shiraz from perhaps the best producer in the Yarra Valley (one of the coldest appellations in Australia). This Shiraz is delicate and crisp, with brambly notes of cranberry and white pepper tightly wound in an elegant package. A fantastic red for $23!

Unmistakably Chardonnay, the wine has aromas of almond and wet gravel and a slight straw color. But Te Whare Ra's Chardonnay is more elegant than the nose would have you believe--a racy and bright wine filled with lemon flavors and a slight hint of oak that is sure to satisfy any fan of cool weather whites.

Another triumph from one of our favorite producers in New Zealand. This Blanc is edgy and very sharp, with quintessential New Zealand bright citrus and slight grassy flavors, complemented by fig and lychee aromas. This biodynamic beauty has so much to offer fans of Sauvignon Blanc; one of TWR's best yet, and still at a great price!

This is a Pinot with structure--a nervy and delicious cool weather red with lean red fruit flavors but plenty of mouth-coating tannins. The fruit notes here are slightly bitter, lean raspberry and plum resting behind cassis and lavender, leaving a wonderfully long impression on the palate. The winemakers at Te Whare Ra took full advantage of the excellent 2013 growing season to craft this mouthwatering Pinot.

An excellent price for an excellent wine! Just a bit leaner than some of our other Ribeira offerings, but not lacking in flavor and intensity, the Caneiro benefits from its steep, slate filled vineyards and is loaded with minerality. Its flavors of elegant and bitter raspberry are backed up by mouth-coating tannins.

This Tempranillo is rounder and more lush than some of our other Riojas, but its old vine pedigree shines through in its complexity. Its soft plum and fig flavors and mellow acidity are wrapped in a long finish of white pepper. It's a remarkable wine from a good vintage and a legendary vineyard.